It has always been thus, during Vietnam the USAF routinely would award a SS for a deed that the USN would consider DFC-worthy, and the same for other high combat awards. In addition, the AF authorized combat "V"s for DFCs whereas the Navy did not, regardless of BDA or ground fire ferocity.
For example of AF lameness re awards, Navy (then)LCDR Mike Estocin and his anti-SAM "Shrike" configured A-4 Skyhawk, were loaned to the USAF to lead a multi-division strike by their bombers on a critical NVN SAM site, as they had no properly equipped A/C available. Leading the strike in at low level, Estocin's 'Hawk' sustaind severe AAA damage, and trailing fire, he pressed on to the target which the strike totally destroyed. LCDR Estocin's aircraft crashed just beyond the target and he was KIA.
Upon return to their Thailand base, the AF Pilots debriefed the mission, then petitioned their CO to recommend Estocin for the AF Cross... were denied, then as a group, begged the Wing Commander and were again denied. Risking their careers by vowing to take it to higher authority, about then, the Navy stepped in and assumed award recommendation process for CAPT Estocin. After a thorough investigation including BDA photography, crew eye witness interviews, and target defensive activity, a recommendation for the Navy MOH was made. This was eventually approved and presented posthumously to his widow.
I flew many hops, in dets with Mike when we were Squadronmates in VA-125 ('62-'65). I am proud to say that he was one of 2 fellow "Scooter" drivers to be awarded the MOH in Vietnam. The USAF turned out to be kind of 'petty' in this instance, in that it didn't involve one of their own!
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*CAPT (then) LT "Mike" Estocin @ VA-125 NAS Lemoore - 1964
BzB